Kane County seeks $45K for petting zoo animal care

ST. CHARLES – Kane County Animal Control and prosecutors are seeking a $45,000 security fund to be posted for the care and feeding of animals impounded from a petting zoo whose owner was charged with animal cruelty.

A hearing on the issue is scheduled for 1 p.m. today at Kane County Branch Court.

In court papers filed late last week, animal control officials said they have incurred nearly $25,000 in expenses since impounding 94 animals from a petting zoo at a farm in Hampshire Township earlier this month.

Officials projected an additional cost of $20,151 for 13 days of care for the 31 remaining animals – including miniature horses, ponies, donkeys and two goats – either not given up or forfeited, but still in the care of animal control.

Elgin resident Stacy Fiebelkorn, who was charged with animal cruelty and violating an owner’s duty, both misdemeanors, gave up rabbits and poultry and all but two goats.

A judge ruled she had to forfeit alpacas and llamas, but not the horses, donkeys and the pair of goats, which are still being cared for by animal control.

The 102-page filing lists the cost of boarding, hay, feed, shavings, vet care and labor, averaging $1,550.12 per day for the 31 animals.